question

I still want people with direct numbers to get direct phone calls, but i want them to be able to ring to the receptionist first. Also, how do i transfer phone calls? When i try to transfer the call to another coworkers extension, it replays the auto greeting. is it better to answer and put someone on hold, and call the ext. and let them know someone is on hold? please help? i'm trying to set up this sytem for only three phone lines but it's still complicated.